Priest strips down barriers

It's the ultimate "vicars and tarts" party. In 10 days' time, Stringfellows lap dancing club in London is going to break with convention and hold a book launch. Not just any launch, either, but the party to celebrate the second volume of autobiography from a Roman Catholic priest named Father Michael Seed.

Thongs and cassocks: should we be surprised?

By Peter Stringfellow, yes; by Michael Seed, no. He's always had an eye for controversy and publicity. Definitely expect him to pose with a stripper - and also perhaps convert a couple. On top of that, it's not impossible that we'll see Cherie Blair hanging around: he used to say private masses for her in Downing Street.

So he's used to causing trouble?

Yes: he announced blithely that he'd converted Tory MP Alan Clark on the latter's deathbed, and Clark's infuriated widow has been denying it ever since.

Just Mrs Blair and the one fusty old Tory?

No: also Tony Blair. Although he wasn't the man who finally received Blair into the Catholic church, he did much of the prep work. On top of which, he has converted the Duchess of Kent, which must have annoyed the Queen, and Ann Widdecombe. Sadly, he categorically denies reports that he has acted as a spiritual consultant to Heather Mills after they were introduced at a party.

Friends in high places, so where does he come from?

According to volume one of the memoir, he was born in Manchester to a single mother and grew up at a home for disturbed children run by the Salvation Army. More recently, he's been at Westminster Cathedral.

What's part two of the autobiography going to be about?

When part one was published he said he'd not write about his adult life because it was "too dangerous". Two years on, expect bits on the Blairs, Widdecombe and the rest. It is called Saints and Sinners and describes him on the book jacket as "Britain's most controversial priest".